The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, and his Delta State counterpart, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, have hailed the Super Eagles of Nigeria for emerging as the first African country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Describing the qualification as “historic”, Governor Obiano observed that the Super Eagles’ performance demonstrates the infinite possibilities that Nigeria can achieve if all the component units of the federation were to work together in perfect harmony with each other.

In a statement issued by James Eze, his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Governor Obiano praised the Super Eagles for playing all their qualifying games with utmost dedication and commitment, saying that no serious national goal could be achieved without sacrifice by all the parties involved.

Governor Obiano further urged Nigerians and all lovers of sports to rally round the Russian-bound Eagles and lend them the support they need to represent the country well in the World Cup.

“This team has proven its worth. By achieving the status of the first African team to qualify for the World Cup, the players have shown that they are ready to bring honour to Nigeria. It is now up to us all to support them and cheer them to higher achievements in the World Cup,” the Governor maintained.

Observing that only a perfect team work could have earned the Super Eagles such an impressive result, Governor Obiano said the same principle of harmonious team spirit had helped his administration to record commendable achievements in Anambra State in just three and a half years.

“We believe in the proven powers of a strong team spirit. Nothing compares to a well-coordinated team effort. That is what has helped us a lot in Anambra State. We can all see how it has helped the Super Eagles too,” the governor further observed.

Obiano is seeking re-election in the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election in Anambra State after a sterling performance that has turned the growth curve of the state upwards in only three years after conferring it with the enviable status of Nigeria’s safest state.

On his part, Governor Okowa, in a statement in Asaba on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, also congratulated the Ministry of Sports, the Nigerian Football Federation, the technical crew, management, and backroom staff of the Super Eagles for beating the Chipolopolo of Zambia by a lone goal to secure Nigeria’s sixth appearance at the Mundial.

The Governor commended members of the National team for their commitment and doggedness which according to him earned them the victory in the make or mar encounter with the Zambians.

According to Governor Okowa, “It was a delight watching the Super Eagles defeat the Zambian side in front of titillated home fans at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo to put the Eagles on an incontestible 13 points at the top of Group B.

“Sports in Nigeria, particularly football remains one of the greatest unifiers of people across political affinities, religion, gender, tribe and other schisms.”

The Governor advised that, in this era of agitations, Nigerians should take advantage of sport competitions to further promote national love, togetherness and patriotism.

"The Eagles performance demonstrated the fighting spirit and high level of discipline that exemplifies Nigerian players. “They truly displayed that they are our true ambassadors,” he said.

Governor Okowa urged the sports authorities not to be carried away by the euphoria of the qualification but start early preparation ahead of 2018 so that the Super Eagles performs well at the global competition beyond past achievements.